Private Eastern Brisshal Fortune & Friends

[Rakka Deltorra]

The journey back to civilization after collecting their spoils of war from the decapitated bear goes smoothly enough, and after parting ways with their paladin guide Rakka and Yaxhin are left to their own devices to explore Honeyhome.

The distinctive red shingles of the comely buildings is the first feature to catch any wandering traveler's eyes, followed by the heavenly and welcomed scent of flowers and baked goods that wafts through the air as one enters the hamlet proper. There's a low idle thrum as the villagers go about their lives, coming and going from the bakery where the delicious scents permeate from or the general store where the clang of a forge can be heard resonating from behind the storefront. Others ply their wares and goods in the main street overshadowed by the tall steeple of a church in the background, and occasionally a villager glances up to smile fondly at the church.

"Flowers for sale! Freshly picked this morning!"

"Freshly baked dumplings with my special hot sauce pork filling! Get 'em while they're hot!"

"Two-for-one limited special, while supplies last! Tea reading on the house if you purchase a bracelet-weaving demonstration!"

Rakka pauses to take in all the sights and sounds, ears perking up as she breaks into a grin. This was more her pace! The tall lepus turns to direct their enthusiasm at their companion, another beastfolk. This one sported two lion ears and a matching tail, bending to pet a wolf by their side.

"Wow! What a sight, huh? Um, where to next? Tea and dumplings do sound nice... should we do food first before hitting the shops?"

@Yaxhin @Caelia Etterni

 

[Yaxhin]

Yaxhin's eyes have been wide as can be the whole time they've been back in civilization, their face alight in wonder. There's so much *life* around them, enough that Yaxhin completely forgets they're in a game for a long while. As they remember that, they just shake their head to themself. How can anyone treat these folks as less than people?

The village is just so picturesque! the red roofs really give it such a lively feeling, and everything is so cozy...
And all the food stalls smell so good!

There's pastries everywhere, flowers in so many carts- Tea reading?

Their head whips around to that one, and they only barely hear Rakka speak, as their eyes light up in excitement. They answer the part that makes it to them, not looking away from finding that tea and weaving stall.

"Ah- yeah, tea sounds nice! ... what else did you say?"

 

[Rakka Deltorra]

One of Rakka's ears twitch and she hesitates. It sounds like Yaxhin is desiring food first... but what if they just felt compelled to agree? The rabbitfolk follows Rakka's gaze toward the tea reader's booth. She bites her lip, glancing between the two, worriedly noting the concerned and wary glances the locals passing by directed at the wolf. Yaxhin seems unconcerned though...

"Umm... I'm not sure. Just - just thought maybe a snack or treat to go with the tea... like the dumplings, or I guess some pastries would work to. If you're not hungry that's fine too. Um, (she glances down at the wolf) will your friend be fine here? There's a lot of people around..."

She glances around and then takes a cautious step forward, glancing back to make sure Yaxhin and their wolf are following after before walking slowly over toward the tea seller's shop.

"You were looking at this one, right Yaxhin?"

The shopkeeper's face lights up at the sight of people approaching his booth, scanning to make sure he doesn't neglect anyone else interested in his booth.

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Someone else is interested in the booth, actually!

Caelia had been hanging around Honeyhome for some time now. After managing to get through Eastern Brishaal in one piece, she'd been a bit tentative about forging on alone. So, she'd been here, carefully practicing her skills on her own - well out of the way of the villagers, lest she worry them - or occasionally putzing around the market square. She'd delved into the immediate forests surrounding the town a few times, but she hadn't found the courage to go far.

So, it wasn't an unusual sight to see the short statured Faerin wandering the streets of Honeyhome. She'd seen the tea seller a few times, but she hadn't actually tried his wares yet... She didn't like tea normally - at least, Maggie didn't like tea - but maybe she should try it here! Things were different, after all.

She was different. She wasn't Maggie. Not here.

She approaches just as another two individuals do, making a small "oh!" sound as she arrived at the booth simultaneously.

"I'm sorry, did you want to go first? I'm Caelia, by the way. Caelia Etterni. A pleasure to meet you!"

Being social was so much easier when it wasn't real. It felt real, sure, but it wasn't real-real. Hard to explain, really...

 

[Yaxhin]

The wolf is happily trotting by Yaxhin, being happily conspicuous- and often returning those glances with just as much suspicion.

"Some food sounds good, I think... but maybe after the tea? It'll be interesting to see how food tastes, here. I know in this other game I play, it just skips the tasting part and boosts the hunger meter."

They look down at the wolf beside them, happy to see the huge canine's tongue lolling out, and him staying close to the beastfolk.

"I think he'll be fine, he's staying calm enough. And, I talked to him about it before we came in- he stays close, and we're both safe."

They follow after Rakka, to the tea stand, grinning eagerly, and make a similar sound of surprise at seeing someone approach at the same time.

"Oh, hello! Ah- I'm not sure, I'm not sure it really matters who goes first? I'm Yahxin."

 

[Rakka Deltorra]

The shopkeeper's eyes light up and he smiles warmly at the Faerin, two small antlers poking up from his hairline.

"Why yes hello! Don't be shy, don't be shy (he sweeps a hand over his wares) everyone's welcome to my table."

Rakka nods, taking in Yaxhin's words.

"Alright, that works... right, forgot you can... (she frowns and tilts her head) um, is it talking? At the very least it's communication... I really hopes he keeps listening to you."

Her ears twitch and her eyes widen as the tall rabbitfolk catches sight of the short-statured lady (@Caelia Etterni), taking a quick step back and ducking her head in apology.

"Sorry for getting in your way like that. I'm Rakka Deltorra with - ah right, they already introduced themself. Um, I don't think it really matters who goes first either, please go ahead."

The shopkeeper tut tuts and beckons them all over.

"There's no reason to wait in line standing around! Nothing wrong with getting cozy. I'm Luming, if that helps you feel more at ease to know."

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

The small Faerin smiles at both beastfolk in a warm manner, waving her hands as they both apologize to her. She turns her attention when the shopkeep speaks, giving him a smile as well.

Luming, a pleasure to meet you! And you two as well, Rakka and Yahxin! So, Mister Luming, what is it that you offer?

She looks over the table curiously, eyeing the various wares he has presented. The tea does smell rather good, so maybe she will try drinking some! She glances at the two beastfolk that had approached at the same time as her, still smiling brightly.

I insist, one of you should go first! It would be rude of me to cut in line. Well, there wasn't really a line until we all walked up, but... Anyways! I want to see what you think of the tea before I try some.

 

[Yaxhin]

Yaxhin steps up to the table, looking over all the wares arranged so carefully, before turning to smile at the faerin.

"Good to meet you, Caelia. We're still getting to know the area and the people- if you're both comfortable with it, we could all watch the proceedings together, here?"

They smile at the shopkeep, giddy and excited at seeing another beastfolk. How much different will divining be, here in another world? They can't wait to see how it works, and maybe learn something! Those woven bracelets do look cool, as well.

"Pleasure to meet you, Luming!"

The wolf moves over to Caelia, sniffing at the faerin's clothes and tilting his head. The wolf doesn't have a collar, but it hasn't strayed far from Yaxhin the whole time. Maybe it's safe?

"He's tamed, don't worry."

Yaxhin assures Caelia, moving to pet the wolf and prompt him to sit and be patient.

 

[Rakka Deltorra]

Rakka bobs her head at the small Faerin while offering a shy smile.

"It's nice meeting you as well, Caelia. I'm fine with watching all together."

She tenses as the wolf approaches Caelia, ears flicking back as she gives Yaxhin a worried and concerned look before addressing Caelia again.

"If - if you're not comfortable we can get the wolf to move!"

Luming beams at @Caelia Etterni and the rest.

"Please, the pleasure is all mine! I offer fine weavings and tea readings (he chuckles to himself). As you can see I mostly offer table runners and small wall hangings, although I must say my bracelets are my bestsellers. Tea reading is a newer service I'm piloting, along with offering teaching how to weave a basic bracelet. It's surprising how many Travelers and small children have shown an interest in learning my trade."

And indeed, many of the weaving are on display on the table. There's a wall hanging that displays the red buildings of the town, and another that displays a church, most likely the one they can see the steeple of in the distance down the road. It's an interesting art style, reminiscent of if Western art nouveau and Japanese ukiyo-e were blended together, and clearly demonstrates the weaver's skill. The bracelets come in a variety, from simple woven patterns to tiny forest and village scenes. Curiously, there isn't any teas on display for sale. The only indication of it is a teacup and saucer propped next to a sign advertising tea readings and their price.

The shopkeeper frowns lightly, pondering something before addressing Caelia.

"I certainly can offer a few tea samples if you're worried about the taste, but regrettably my selection is limited. I mostly have herbal and floral teas as they're easiest to access, but I do also have a few green and black tea blends on hand. What's your preference?"

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Caelia does tense a little at first as a beast more than half her size approaches to give her a sniff. She certainly knows what a wolf is, and seeing one up close like this is more than a little nerve wracking right away. As Yahxin assures her he's tame, though, she seems to relax just a little bit. Not fully, and she keeps one eye on the wolf just in case, but she does relax.

Oh, he's okay. Does he have a name? He's...very big!

She smiles at the shopkeep as he tries to accommodate her so kindly. She looks back at Yahxin and Rakka, her gaze turning up towards them to see what they might say.

Is there a certain type of tea either of you like? Um... (to the shopkeeper) How about an herbal tea? Something not too strong, please.

 

[Yaxhin]

Yaxhin casts and apologetic look to Rakka, knowing the wolf scares her.
The wolf sits in the middle of the three of them, whuffing quietly. It's been such a strange day for him... Suddenly he's being fed portions of a bigger kill than he could do alone, and now... he's sticking by a... two-legger?
Yaxhin pets the wolf absently, shaking their head with a sheepish look on their face.

"No, he doesn't have a name yet, I'm... pretty slow at naming animals. Do you have any suggestions?"

As the shopkeeper starts talking, they quickly turn their attention back to him. The table runners and wall hangings are gorgeous, for sure... That one of the red buildings, they're very drawn to. But... until they have an idea of what land ownership/housing things are like in game, they probably should save their money for armor and weapons and things of that nature.
And the teas all smell so good...

"I'm happy with any black tea."

They turn to Rakka, waiting for her answer.

 

[Rakka Deltorra]

Rakka blinks as she turns to look at @Caelia Etterni and points to herself.

"M-me? Um, I'm partial to black teas and those with an earthy taste... s-so Pu-erhs, Russian Caravan, and Hojicha are some of my favorites. (she ducks her head in an apology) Doesn't sound like any you'd enjoy though... and I don't know how to request them here...

The shopkeeper gives Rakka a puzzled look.

"I... understood you clearly miss. If you're a Traveler, I've very rarely had communication troubles with any of your folk (He smiles reassuringly at Rakka before shifting his attention to Caelia). Chamomile should meet your needs, but if you have ragweed or chrysanthemum allergies it isn't safe for you to drink. Might I suggest trying a white tea as well? White teas are the mildest of true teas, as it's made from the bud of the plant rather than the leaves. White Peony will have more of the floral taste akin to herbal teas, whereas Silver Needles will have more of that nutty taste Rakka is fond of. I can brew up a sample of each if that sounds good to you."

While everyone is able to understand him clearly, the flower and tea names are heard in a foreign tongue first before being understandable in English.

Rakka blinks and frowns slightly at that, not sure whether to say anything about it or pretend she didn't notice.

The shopkeeper turns his attention back toward Rakka and @Yaxhin once Caelia has provided her answer.

"Now, as for you two... Miss Rakka, I'm afraid I don't carry any oolong teas, but I do have some Hojicha left over from the last harvest season if that interests you. In terms of straight black teas I do have some Ceylon, Mx Yaxhin, otherwise I do have some English Breakfast and Lady Earl Grey. If any of you need an explanation as to what a type of tea means, feel free to ask away!"

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Caelia tried to follow what the shopkeeper was offering to her, but the more words he strung together, the more lost the poor Faerin looked. She glanced from him to Rakka to Yahxin and back. She didn't want to hold up the other two, so she waved her hand with a slight smile when the shopkeep offered to brew her samples of several teas.

Oh, no, that's alright. I'll, um, trust your judgement and try the chamomile. You're very knowledgeable about your wares, Mr. Luming, it's quite impressive.

Her tone was genuine. With that said, she shifted back slightly to give the others room to order their teas. She looked at the wolf curiously while she waited, pondering some choices out loud.

Could go with Lupus if you wanted something direct... Or Romulus or Remus, for historical. Cronus, Essos, Havoc...

She tapped her chin, humming in thought.